Should metal detectors be installed in schools?

EVIDENCE OF escalating incidents of violence in schools has led a leading education lobbyist to call for the introduction of metal detectors.

Recent figures from the Department of Education show 550 pupils were permanently excluded from school in a year for physical attacks on adult staff.

Last year alone, 250 pupils were caught with weapons in schools.

Now Margaret Morrissey, a former OFSTED inspector and founder of forum Parents Out Loud, has urged the Government to wake up to the fact that the UK faces a similar problem to North America in the weapon culture and violence which are rife in educational institutions.

Mrs Morrissey said: “What happened in Leeds is going to terrify parents. Regardless of the circumstances a pupil has had a weapon in their hand in a classroom and used it.

“We think we are not America, that we are not a country which has drugs, weapons and violence in schools – well I’m really sorry but we are and the sooner we admit it, the better.

“The Government must consider metal detectors.

“It is the only way you are going to resolve the issue of pupils carrying offensive weapons in schools.

“It is not a problem exclusive to this one school.

“Installing metal detectors will be a huge job and it is not going to be cheap, but one life lost is one too many.”